You shall not have two differing measures in your house, one large and one small. You shall not haveThis phrase is a direct command, emphasizing the moral imperative and divine authority behind the instruction. The Hebrew root for "shall not have" is "לא יהיה" (lo yihyeh), which conveys a strong prohibition. This command reflects God's desire for His people to live with integrity and honesty, aligning with His character. It is a call to personal responsibility and ethical living, reminding believers that their actions should reflect God's righteousness. two differing measures
The Hebrew term for "measures" is "אבן" (eben), which can refer to weights or stones used in commerce. The use of "differing" (שׁוֹנִים, shonim) indicates a deliberate act of deceit, where one might use a heavier weight for buying and a lighter one for selling, thus cheating others. This practice was common in ancient marketplaces, and God explicitly condemns it as unjust. The principle here extends beyond literal weights to any form of dishonest dealings, urging believers to maintain fairness and equity in all transactions. in your house
The phrase "in your house" suggests that this command is not only for public transactions but also for private life. The Hebrew word "בביתך" (b'veitecha) implies that one's home, a place of personal control and influence, should be a bastion of honesty. This extends the call for integrity to all areas of life, not just those visible to others. It challenges believers to examine their personal practices and ensure they align with God's standards, fostering a culture of trust and righteousness within the community. a larger and a smaller
This phrase highlights the specific nature of the deceit being addressed. The Hebrew words "גדול" (gadol) and "קטן" (katan) mean "large" and "small," respectively. The juxtaposition of these terms underscores the intentional manipulation involved in using different measures to one's advantage. Historically, such practices were a means of exploiting others for personal gain. The command serves as a reminder that God values justice and fairness, and His people are called to reflect these values in their dealings, both great and small. This principle encourages believers to pursue honesty and transparency, fostering trust and integrity in all relationships. Persons / Places / Events 1. Moses- The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws to the Israelites. 2. Israelites- The audience receiving the laws, God's chosen people, preparing to enter the Promised Land. 3. Promised Land- The land of Canaan, which the Israelites are about to enter and settle. 4. Ancient Marketplace- The context in which fair trade and honest measures are emphasized. 5. God's Covenant- The overarching agreement between God and Israel, which includes living by His statutes. Teaching Points Integrity in BusinessAs followers of Christ, we are called to conduct our business dealings with honesty and integrity, reflecting God's character. Consistency in StandardsJust as God commands consistent measures, we should strive for consistency in our ethical standards, both in public and private life. Trust in God's ProvisionRelying on honest practices demonstrates trust in God's provision rather than resorting to deceit for gain. Witness to the WorldOur commitment to fairness and honesty serves as a testimony to others about the transformative power of living according to God's Word. Spiritual IntegrityBeyond physical measures, we are called to examine our spiritual lives for consistency and honesty in our walk with God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the command to use honest measures reflect God's character and His expectations for His people? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of honest measures in our modern-day business or personal transactions? 3. How do the additional scriptures reinforce the importance of integrity and honesty in our lives? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are living with integrity in both small and large matters? 5. How can our commitment to honesty and fairness serve as a witness to those around us, and how does this relate to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 19:35-36This passage also commands the Israelites to use honest scales and measures, reinforcing the importance of integrity in commerce. Proverbs 11:1Highlights that dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, while accurate weights are His delight, emphasizing God's desire for honesty. Amos 8:5Condemns those who cheat with dishonest scales, showing that this issue persisted and was addressed by the prophets. Micah 6:10-11Questions whether God should overlook dishonest practices, indicating the moral and spiritual implications of such actions. Luke 6:38Jesus teaches about giving and receiving, where the measure you use will be measured back to you, connecting the principle of fairness to New Testament teachings. People Amalek, Amalekites, Ephah, MosesPlaces Amalek, Beth-baal-peor, EgyptTopics Different, Differing, Divers, Diverse, Ephah, Ephahs, Hast, Kinds, Large, MeasuresDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 25:13-16 5242 buying and selling
8275 honesty Library Therefore at that Time, when the Law Also...
27. Therefore at that time, when the Law also, following upon the days of the Patriarchs, [2010] pronounced accursed, whoso raised not up seed in Israel, even he, who could, put it not forth, but yet possessed it. But from the period that the fullness of time hath come, [2011] that it should be said, "Whoso can receive, let him receive," [2012] from that period even unto this present, and from henceforth even unto the end, whoso hath, worketh: whoso shall be unwilling to work, let him not falsely …
St. Augustine—On the Good of MarriageThe Doctrine of Arbitrary Scriptural Accommodation Considered.
"But the Righteousness which is of Faith speaketh on this wise,--Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into Heaven?' (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) or, Who shall descend into the deep?' (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth; and in thine heart:' that is, the word of Faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from …
John William Burgon—Inspiration and Interpretation Nor, Because I Called Ruth Blessed, Anna More Blessed...
10. Nor, because I called Ruth blessed, Anna more blessed, in that the former married twice, the latter, being soon widowed of her one husband, so lived long, do you straightway also think that you are better than Ruth. Forsooth different in the times of the Prophets was the dispensation of holy females, whom obedience, not lust, forced to marry, for the propagation of the people of God, [2242] that in them Prophets of Christ might be sent beforehand; whereas the People itself also, by those things …
St. Augustine—On the Good of Widowhood. Genealogy According to Luke.
^C Luke III. 23-38. ^c 23 And Jesus himself [Luke has been speaking about John the Baptist, he now turns to speak of Jesus himself], when he began to teach, was about thirty years of age [the age when a Levite entered upon God's service--Num. iv. 46, 47], being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son [this may mean that Jesus was grandson of Heli, or that Joseph was counted as a son of Heli because he was his son-in-law] of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Of those who are Able to Profit Others by virtuous Example in Supreme Rule, but Fly from it in Pursuit of their Own Ease.
For there are some who are eminently endowed with virtues, and for the training of others are exalted by great gifts, who are pure in zeal for chastity, strong in the might of abstinence, filled with the feasts of doctrine, humble in the long-suffering of patience, erect in the fortitude of authority, tender in the grace of loving-kindness, strict in the severity of justice. Truly such as these, if when called they refuse to undertake offices of supreme rule, for the most part deprive themselves …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Genealogy of Jesus According to Matthew.
^A Matt. I. 1-17. ^a 1 The book of the generation [or genealogy] of Jesus Christ, the son of David [the Messiah was promised to David--II. Sam. vii. 16; John vii. 42], the son of Abraham. [Messiah was also promised to Abraham--Gen. xxii. 18; Gal. iii. 16.] 2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judah and his brethren [mentioned here because they were the heads of the tribes for whom especially Matthew wrote his Gospel]; 3 and Judah begat Perez and Zerah [these two were twins] …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The True Manner of Keeping Holy the Lord's Day.
Now the sanctifying of the Sabbath consists in two things--First, In resting from all servile and common business pertaining to our natural life; Secondly, In consecrating that rest wholly to the service of God, and the use of those holy means which belong to our spiritual life. For the First. 1. The servile and common works from which we are to cease are, generally, all civil works, from the least to the greatest (Exod. xxxi. 12, 13, 15, &c.) More particularly-- First, From all the works of our …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It.
[Sidenote: 1139] 33. (20). It seemed to him, however, that one could not go on doing these things with sufficient security without the authority of the Apostolic See; and for that reason he determined to set out for Rome, and most of all because the metropolitan see still lacked, and from the beginning had lacked, the use of the pall, which is the fullness of honour.[507] And it seemed good in his eyes[508] that the church for which he had laboured so much[509] should acquire, by his zeal and labour, …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh Cix. Jewish Rulers Seek to Ensnare Jesus.
(Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) Subdivision B. Sadducees Ask About the Resurrection. ^A Matt. XXII. 23-33; ^B Mark XII. 18-27; ^C Luke XX. 27-39. ^a 23 On that day there came { ^b come} unto him ^c certain of the the Sadducees, they that { ^b who} say there is no resurrection [As to the Sadducees, see p. 71. We may regard their attitude toward Christ as expressed by their leader Caiaphas, see p. 528]; and they asked him, saying, 19 Teacher, Moses wrote unto us [See Deut. xxv. 5, …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Preaching (iii. ).
Eternal Fulness, overflow to me Till I, Thy vessel, overflow for Thee; For sure the streams that make Thy garden grow Are never fed but by an overflow: Not till Thy prophets with Thyself run o'er Are Israel's watercourses full once more. Again I treat of the sermon. We have looked, my younger Brother and I, at some main secrets and prescriptions for attractive preaching. What shall I more say on the subject of the pulpit? In the first place I will offer a few miscellaneous suggestions, and then …
Handley C. G. Moule—To My Younger Brethren Second Stage of Jewish Trial. Jesus Condemned by Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin.
(Palace of Caiaphas. Friday.) ^A Matt. XXVI. 57, 59-68; ^B Mark XIV. 53, 55-65; ^C Luke XXII. 54, 63-65; ^D John XVIII. 24. ^d 24 Annas therefore sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest. [Foiled in his attempted examination of Jesus, Annas sends him to trial.] ^b and there come together with him all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes. ^a 57 And they that had taken Jesus led him away to the house of Caiaphas the high priest, ^c and brought him into the high priest's house. ^a where …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf. …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Deuteronomy 25:14 NIVDeuteronomy 25:14 NLTDeuteronomy 25:14 ESVDeuteronomy 25:14 NASBDeuteronomy 25:14 KJV
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